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12 Holiday Tips for Food Allergies

Holidays that revolve around food can be challenging for people with food allergies. Here are common allergens that are found in traditional holiday foods and tips to prevent food allergy worries. 


Children making cookies

Holiday Cookies

Packaged cookies may contain wheat, nuts, dairy and eggs. Homemade ingredients can be adjusted to be allergen-free.

Family cooking turkey

Self-Basting Turkey

Did you know that self-basting ingredients often contain soy, wheat or dairy? Check the label.

Green Bean Casserole

Green Bean Casserole

The traditional favorite contains dairy and wheat, but can be made without these allergens.

Salad with dressing

Sauces and Salad Dressings

Many store-bought sauces and dressings contain fish, shellfish, eggs or dairy ingredients.

Dip with veggies

Vegan or Dairy-Free Spreads, Dips and Dressings

Pay special attention to vegan or dairy-free items because they often use tree nuts, legumes or soy as substitutes.

Sweet Potato Casserole

Sweet Potato Casserole

There are many different recipes for this dish, which may contain dairy, tree nuts or egg. It can be just as delicious without those allergenic ingredients!

Pies being made

Pies

Remember to watch pies and other desserts for dairy, wheat, peanut, tree nut and egg ingredients.

Woman talking on the phone

Talk with the Host

Let the host know that you have a food allergy and offer to bring an allergen-safe dish.

Couple looking at recipe on iPad

Show Guests Recipes and Packaging

Keep and offer to show guests with food allergies your recipes and food packaging to make sure items are safe for them to eat.

Couple prepping food together

Avoid Food Cross-Contamination

When preparing and serving food for guests with food allergies, keep foods with allergens separate.

Wash Hands

Wash Hands

Wash hands after preparing foods with food allergen ingredients so you don’t accidently mix them into a “safe” dish.

Epi Pen with you when you eat

No Epi, No Eating

Keep your epinephrine auto-injector with you at all times.